Dave & Bonita Gilbertson's annual letter

For Dave and I, 2007 was a good year. No major ups or downs, but you know, that’s not always a bad thing.

We rented a condo in Sea Grove Beach Florida for two weeks last February. It’s a beautiful, laid back area with white sand beaches and turquoise/blue water. We had a great time. There’s a small group of people from Alex who have been going down there for several years so we had people to hang out with and show us the ropes. We learned how to play Mexican Train Dominos (FUN!), some new dice games, went to the dog races (Here comes the bunny and there went my money. L) and it all wouldn’t be complete of course without the retirees friend, Bingo. We had a great time, especially thanks to the Zastrows and Meyers. This January we will be heading down there for a couple of months. We can’t wait!

We moved out to the cabin on Lake Miltona the end of May. The weather was hot and dry which we like. The pontoon and paddle boat got a good workout. The Blocks stayed with us the first weekend in July. One night we were on the lake watching the sunset when a strange light in the east caught my eye. The moon was rising. It was huge and deep orange. It was a fantastic sight with the sun setting in the west and the moon rising in the east at the same time. From now on I intend to pay attention to moonrise times so we can enjoy it again.

Playboy Woods
Dave put the cart before the horse…literally. He’s owned a golf cart for about 4 years. He used it as a means of transportation at the races and for bumming around. The end of August Watson and Block talked him into trying golf. He’s hooked! I nicknamed him “Playboy Woods”. He really enjoys playing, or to quote him “hacking around”. Now he wants me to start. I think I’ll give it a try! FORE!

Short timer
I’m retiring this year. My last working day is December 27th. It will be kind of strange as I’ve worked at some job or another since I was 10 years old. We want to go south for the winter and do other things that aren’t possible with me still working. Something that Dave showed me was to take out a yardstick and measure in inches the average age that most people die ( 76.4 in the U.S.) then take YOUR age in inches and mark that down. Scary when you see how much of your life is gone and how little is left! As of this morning, I only have three working Mondays left. That’s a good feeling.

My major accomplishment in 2007 was kicking the smoking habit. I quit January 2nd (I didn’t want to be a cliché and quit on the 1s J). It wasn’t easy but I’m very glad I did it. Five friends and relatives of mine also quit. Good for us!!!

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We wish you and yours good health, wealth and happiness in 2008!

Regards, Bonita and Dave Gilbertson